Man jailed for 6 years without trial

A Hinds County Supervisor is asking why a Clinton man has remained in jail for years without going to trial.

Samuel Edwin Johnson, 31, was arrested by Jackson police in May 2006.

According to the Hinds County Sheriff's Department web site he was charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and receiving stolen goods.

Sunday Supervisor Kenneth Stokes and Johnson's family members came together in prayer at True Believers M.B. Church in Jackson.

They also held a news conference asking for Johnson's release.

His mother, Belvelma Johnson, said he's been jailed without trial and at a pre-trial hearing was told that he was incompetent and needs a mental evaluation.

Johnson said she contacted the state hospital and was told there was no record of Samuel Johnson ever being in the system.

She said no one in the Hinds County District Attorney's Office or his attorney has explained why.

Stokes hopes the D.A. and judge will allow Johnson to be freed after serving more than six years in jail.

"I know it's hard on him being there and he's getting worse and worse. I think that anybody that stays in jail that long and don't go to trial and stuff you know I'm just thinking their mind will go wild," said Johnson.

"You can't sit here and no one take responsibility for someone being in jail almost seven years in a county jail. That's unheard of....We're talking about the speedy trial act, 180 days that evidently is just been swept under the rug. Why in the world would the county hold a young man six to seven years if there's mental issues," said Stokes.

The District Five Supervisor plans to present the case to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors Monday.